Fluid filled switch



May 3o, 1933.

S. RUMP FLUID FILLED SWITCH Filed Aug. 27, 1930 Attorney Patented May 30, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT orifice SIGURD RUMIP, 0F ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, ASSIG-NOR TO AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT BROWN, BOVERI & CIE., OF BADEN', SWITZERLAND, A JOINT-STOCK COMPANY OF SWITZERLAND FLUID FILLED SWITCH Application filed August 27, 1930, Serial No.

This invention relates to improvements in electric switches and particularly to switches in which the circuit is broken in a conductive iiuid such as water` When a circuit is broken by a switch of the above character, an arc is formed between the switch contacts. The current density in such arc is very high and attempts have been made to decrease the current density thereof by increasing the area of the contact surfaces between which the arc is formed. Such enlarged contacts, however, require a much greater expenditure of energy to secure proper acceleration in separation of the contacting surfaces due tothe greater masses to be moved which causes constructions materially enlarging the size of the switch and increasing the cost thereof.

It is, therefore, among the objects Of the present invention to provide an electric switch making and breaking an electric circuit in a conductive fluid in which the arc formed is so distributed as to decrease the current density therein.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electric switch operating in a conductive fluid in which the surfaces in contact with the arc are enlarged without enlarging Vthe size of the movable contact of the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electric switch operating in a conductive fluid in which a plurality of metallic surfaces are arranged in the path of the arc in such a manner that the movable contact remains in contact with such metallic surfaces throughout the entire movement of such contact.

Objects and advantages, other than those above set forth, will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. l is a somewhat schematic elevational View illustrating a switch embodying my invention; and

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the relation of the movable contact element to current distributing plates illustrated in Fig. 1.

Referring more particularly to the drawing by characters of reference, the reference 478,044, and in Germany September 2, 1929.

numeral l designates a plate with which the engaging clips Q'forms both one pole of the switch structure and a bottom plate of a tank completed by a substantially cylindrical wall 3 of insulating material, which tank is filled with and retains a body 4 of conductive fluid such as water. A movable contact 6 in the form of a rod or other suitable light shape extends into the tank and is arranged to be moved into or out of engagement with the fixed contact 2 by suitable means (not shown). f

A plurality of metallic plates 7 are arranged over each other in spaced relation and are thus supported by suitable fastenings with the insulating wall 3. rlhe plates are formed with central apertures along the line of movement of movable contact 6. Spring contacts 8 are fastened to the plates 7 and extend into sliding engagement with movable contact 6 throughout substantially its entire path of movement. When movable contact 6 is raised out of engagement with the fixed contact 2, the current between thecontacts is spread out either between the fixed contact and a plate or between several plates thereby materially decreasing the density of the current and preventing the formation of an' arc.

It wili thus be seen that the present invention provides an electric switch in which the circuit is broken within a body of conductive material provided with means whereby the current is so distributed as to be at low density thereby preventing arc formation. The size of the contacts remains the same as heretofore or may even be decreased and the operating means (not shown) need not be enlarged over those used previously. rlhe switch is, there fore, quiclcacting, can be used for high currents and is cheap to construct.

Although but one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

"el l. In an electric switch, a tank having an electrically conductive fluid contained therein, a fixed contact disposed within said tank in contact with the said fluid, a plurality of electrically conductive members arranged within said tank in contact with said fluid, the said members being` insulatingly disposed one from each o lier and from the tank, and a mov^L ble contact member disposed for movement into connection with and disconnection from said fixed contact and said members, the arrangemei'it ot said fixed contact and members being such that the said movements of the movable contact effects the sequential disconnection thereot trom the said fixed contact and members to inhibit the establislnnent of arcs at times ot such movements.

Q. In an electric switch comprising a receptacle containing an electrically7 conductive fluid, a fixed contact supported within said receptacle in contact with said fluid, a plurality ot spaced plates of electrically conductive material fixedly supported Within said receptacle in contact with said fluid and each haring an aperture therein, contact members severally arranged about said apertures in electrically conductive connection with said plates, and a cooperating contact arranged tor movement within said fluid through said apertures sequentially into and out of connection with said members and said fixed contact, the said plates and fluid being operable to inhibit the establishment of arcs during movements ot said cooperating contact.

3. In an electric switch comprising a receptacle containing an electrically conductive fluid, a` fixed contact supported within said receptacle in Contact with said fluid, a plus rality ot spaced electrically conductive members fixedly supported within said receptacle in contact with said fluid, contact members severally arranged in electrical connection with said members, and a cooperating contact arranged for movement sequentially into and out ot electrical connection with said contact members and said liz-:ed contact, the said spaced members and fluid constituting a path for the flow ot electric current between said contacts and being operable to vary the flow of current between said fixed contactand said cooperating contact during said movements of the latter.

4. In combination with switching means tor controlling electric circuits comprising a fixed contact and a cooperating movable contact, of a receptacle containing an electrically conductive fluid, a plurality of spaced electrically conductive members fixedly supported within said receptacle in contact with said fluid, and contactl members severally arranged in electrically conductive connection with said members, the said cooperating contact being arranged for movement sequentially into and out of connection with said contact members and said fined contact, and the said members and fluid constituting a path for the flow of In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 16th day of August, A. D. 1930.

SIGURD BUMP. 

